Movie Watchlist (09/2020 - 09/2021)
A complete and chronological list of all movies I watched between September 2020 and September 2021 (= list ongoing). Included are only feature films and movies that were made for TV or streaming services but no short movies, tv shows or serials. The movies will be rated on a 1-10 scale, 1 being the worst - the ratings reflect my own opinion.
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
My list of selected movies for 2020-2021:
La caza [1966]
The Dark Knight [2008]
Nayak [1966]
La casa lobo [2018]
Avatar [2009]
The White Tiger [2021]
Tôkyô monogatari [1953]
Tenki no ko [2019]
Kamera o tomeru na! [2017]
Crip Camp [2020]
Smultronstället [1957]
Piccadilly [1929]
Kaze no tani no Naushika [1984]
Isle of Dogs [2018]
The Thin Red Line [1998]
Ida [2013]
Movies I've already seen since starting yearly lists in 2012 will be marked with brackets and the respective latin number, representing how many times I've seen them. A star indicates that I found this movie exceptionally good; these titles are in no specific order and simply represent how much those movies stayed with me over that year.
My list of selected movies for 2020-2021:
La caza [1966]
The Dark Knight [2008]
Nayak [1966]
La casa lobo [2018]
Avatar [2009]
The White Tiger [2021]
Tôkyô monogatari [1953]
Tenki no ko [2019]
Kamera o tomeru na! [2017]
Crip Camp [2020]
Smultronstället [1957]
Piccadilly [1929]
Kaze no tani no Naushika [1984]
Isle of Dogs [2018]
The Thin Red Line [1998]
Ida [2013]
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222 titles
- DirectorCarlos SauraStarsIsmael MerloAlfredo MayoJosé María PradaThree men go hunting rabbits during a hot day. Heat and talking about events happened in the past make them angry, until they go totally crazy.Three aging friends go on a hunting trip together, but the heat and past mistakes make them turn against each other. Wonderfully shot drama with strong characterizations, marvellous music, and a gripping atmosphere.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJeremy GillespieSteven KostanskiStarsAaron PooleKenneth WelshEllen WongShortly after delivering a patient to an understaffed hospital, a police officer experiences strange and violent occurrences seemingly linked to a group of mysterious hooded figures.Horror movie about a group of people in a nearly abandoned hospital being threatened by a supernatural force. Mediocre movie with undercooked cosmic horror elements, a tedious plot, and poorly written characters.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleMichael CaineKen WatanabeAfter witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.A grim and dark vision of how the popular hero Batman came to existence. Great cast, epic score, and interesting characters make this action movie truly amazing - with only minor pacing problems.
Overall 8/10 [II] - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.A ruthless maniac takes over the criminal underworld and threatens a large metropolis. Nearly perfect superhero movie with many wonderful action sequences, memorable performances, and a quality script.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorDavid LaneStarsSylvia AndersonRay BarrettAlexander DavionWhen the launch of a mission to Mars goes awry due to sabotage, International Rescue is requested to assist in the mission's second attempt.A family of international rescue pilots travels to Mars. Well-meaning but uneven animation adventure with then decent production values - that have aged poorly, though - and clichéd writing, that has aged even worse.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleTom HardyAnne HathawayEight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.The hometown of Batman, Gotham City, descends into chaos after a nuclear bomb threat. Ambitious superhero epic with a strong ensemble cast, amazing production values, and good writing - even if the last act stumbles a bit.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorCharlie KaufmanStarsJesse PlemonsJessie BuckleyToni ColletteFull of misgivings, a young woman travels with her new boyfriend to his parents' secluded farm. Upon arriving, she comes to question everything she thought she knew about him, and herself.A young woman experiences strange episodes when visiting the parents of her boyfriend. Chilly and atmospheric mystery thriller with a great cast and marvellously weird writing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorYorgos LanthimosStarsBarry G. BernsonHerb CaillouetBill CampSteven, a charismatic surgeon, is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice after his life starts to fall apart, when the behavior of a teenage boy he has taken under his wing turns sinister.A middle-aged doctor is blackmailed to kill one of his family members, to save the others from certain death. Decent thriller that largely succeeds in developing a mysterious atmosphere, but stumbles when it comes to charaterizations and pacing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartKatharine HepburnRobert MorleyIn WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.After their African village is attacked by German soldiers, an unlikely couple plots to attack their warship with an old riverboat. This romantic drama has great cinematography and strong lead performances, but the overall cheesy tone and the dated writing are essential flaws.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorHarry BradbeerStarsMillie Bobby BrownHenry CavillSam ClaflinWhen Enola Holmes (Sherlock's teen sister) discovers her mother is missing, she endeavours to find her, becoming a super-sleuth in her own right as she outwits her famous brother and unravels a dangerous conspiracy.Enola Holmes, Sherlock Holmes' teenage sister, tries to find her mother who went missing. Light-hearted and entertaining crime comedy with a thin plot, but the lovable characters and especially the strong lead performance mostly make up for it.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorVincenzo NataliStarsNicole de BoerMaurice Dean WintDavid HewlettA group of strangers awaken to find themselves placed in a giant cube. Each one of them is gifted with a special skill and they must work together to escape an endless maze of deadly traps.A group of six strangers find themselves in a series of cube-shaped rooms with deadly traps. Low budget horror thriller with mediocre performances at best, but the movie has thrilling moments and a genuinely creepy atmosphere.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorKristina BuozyteStarsMarius JampolskisJurga JutaiteRudolfas JansonasA neuron-transfer scientist experiments with the thoughts of a comatose young woman.Through a series of experiments, a scientist connects with a comatose young woman. Visually stunning movie with outstanding art direction, but the muddled plot and weird characterizations make many intriguing moments rather dull.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsLane CarrollWill MacMillanHarold Wayne JonesThe military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town.Because of a strange new virus, a small town goes into quarantine, commanded by the military. Average horror movie with a great premise and some great political ideas that, however, are never fully realized due to the poor acting and the mediocre dialogues.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorTate TaylorStarsViola DavisEmma StoneOctavia SpencerAn aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African American maids' point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.An aspiring young author, interviews African American maids during the late 1950s to get their perspective on race relations. Although the movie does tackle heavy topics like racial equality, it mostly remains a light-hearted comedy from the predominantly white perspective.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorLukas FeigelfeldStarsAleksandra CwenCelina PeterClaudia MartiniAfter the loss of her tormented mother, the erratic behavior of a 15th century woman living in an isolated mountain village becomes a threat to the safety of her infant child.In 15th century Germany, a young woman is slowly driven insane by her dead mother. Generally well-made and slow-burning horror movie with a beautiful and haunting setting and a marvellous lead performance.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMark HartleyStarsPhillip AdamsGlory AnnenChristine AmorThe story of the Australian exploitation genre cinema of 1970s and 80s.Documentary about the emergence of the Australian Ozploitation movie genre during the 1970s and 1980s. Even though the research is done very thoroughly and the movie features some great interviews, the overall presentation is lacking, making it only reasonably interesting for newcomers.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorSatyajit RayStarsUttam KumarSharmila TagoreBireswar SenEn route to Delhi to receive an award, a Bengali film star reevaluates his success through his fellow passengers, dreams, and past experiences.While travelling on a train to receive an award, a famous actor reflects upon his past decisions. Thoughtful drama with marvellous cinematography, well-written dialogues, and believable performances.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorPatrick BriceStarsKatie AseltonPatrick BriceMark DuplassA young videographer answers an online ad for a one-day job in a remote town to record the last messages of a dying man. When he notices the man's odd behavior, he starts to question his intentions.An amateur filmmaker goes to a remote cabin in the woods to shoot a documentary for a creepy middle-aged man. Dark and witty horror comedy that utilizes its found footage elements mostly effective and features a strong performance by the central antagonist.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFrank DarabontStarsThomas JaneMarcia Gay HardenLaurie HoldenA freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.In a small town, a group of people is trapped inside a shopping mall, when a mysterious fog comes up. Well-written horror movie with a strong premise and atmosphere, decent dialogues, but also some mediocre acting.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorMatt ReevesStarsMike VogelJessica LucasLizzy CaplanA group of friends venture deep into the streets of New York on a rescue mission during a rampaging monster attack.A group of friends travel through New York City, when a gigantic monster attacks the city. Uneven found footage horror movie with some decent elements and clever scenes, that altogether haven't aged well.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGerard JohnstoneStarsMorgana O'ReillyRima Te WiataGlen-Paul WaruA young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.A young woman serves her sentence in a house were strange things happen. Weird but ultimately rewarding horror comedy, that blends both elements mostly well and achieves some truly memorable moments.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorColin EgglestonStarsJohn HargreavesBriony BehetsMike McEwenWhen a suburban couple go camping for the weekend at a remote beach, they discover that nature isn't in an accommodating mood.A couple spends a weekend in the rural part of Australia but their surroundings become increasingly hostile. Decent low budget horror movie with a great premise and production values that don't seem as cheap as they really are, but the performances and pacing are sometimes off.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJoaquín CociñaCristóbal LeónStarsAmalia KassaiRainer KrauseKarina HylandTells the story of Maria, a young woman who takes refuge in a house in southern Chile after escaping from a German colony.Animation horror movie about a young woman escaping a dangerous sect. Wonderfully imaginative and unique art movie that's a remarkable visual achievement and has a strangely eerie atmosphere.
Overall 9/10* - DirectorBob ClarkStarsJohn MarleyLynn CarlinRichard BackusA young soldier killed in the Vietnam War inexplicably shows up at his family home on the night of his death.After being declared dead, a young soldier returns to his family but behaves extremely hostile. Decent horror movie with a good premise and thoughtful social commentary, but the poor acting, mediocre pacing, and middling dialogues are irritating.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAaron SorkinStarsEddie RedmayneAlex SharpSacha Baron CohenThe story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.Fictionalized retelling of the trial of a group of social activists who were involved in the riots surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. High quality courtroom drama with fast, well-written dialogues and a wonderful ensemble cast.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorJacques TourneurStarsSimone SimonTom ConwayKent SmithAn American man marries a Serbian immigrant who fears that she will turn into the cat person of her homeland's fables if they are intimate together.After having married an American, a young Serbian woman believes that she might transform into a deadly panther if he kisses her. Influential horror drama with remarkable noir elements; however, apart from the premise, many aspects, like the performances or the narrative structure, have aged poorly.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorPatrick BriceStarsKaran SoniMark DuplassDesiree AkhavanA video artist looking for work drives to a remote house in the forest to meet a man claiming to be a serial killer. But after agreeing to spend the day with him, she soon realizes that she made a deadly mistake.A serial killer in a midlife crisis hires a young video blogger to help tell his life story. Entertaining meta horror movie with many comedic elements, that don't always work well; however, the latter half of the movie is thrilling and fun to watch.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorAndrew FlemingStarsRobin TunneyFairuza BalkNeve CampbellA newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft, and they all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them.A group of highschool girls discover their dark magical abilities and seek revenge of the people who have wronged them. Entertaining horror movie that features a main cast with great chemistry - even though the plot has apparent logic problems.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJean-François RichetStarsMel GibsonErin MoriartyDiego LunaAn ex-con reunites with his estranged wayward 17-year old daughter to protect her from drug dealers who are trying to kill her.When a teenage girl accidentally shoots an important member of a drug ring, she needs the help of her estranged father. Effective action drama with mostly static action sequences that, however, work well because of the characters and believable performances.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorSiu-Tung ChingStarsLeslie CheungJoey WangWu MaAfter a string of bad luck, a debt collector has no other choice than to spend the night in a haunted temple, where he encounters a ravishing female ghost and later battles to save her soul from the control of a wicked tree demon.A clumsy but well-meaning young man falls in love with a mysterious woman and wants to free her from her oppressive family. Surprisingly well-balanced horror comedy with an interesting plot and likable characters.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRemi WeekesStarsSope DirisuWunmi MosakuMalaika Wakoli-AbigabaA refugee couple makes a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, but then they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town that has an evil lurking beneath the surface.A refugees couple from Sudan discover that their new English home has a dark secret. Clever horror movie with a stark social commentary, that's sensitively told, featuring decent performances and some truly frightening scenes.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBernard RoseStarsVirginia MadsenXander BerkeleyTony ToddThe Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster's myth.A young researcher explores the myth of the Candyman, a vicious serial killer with a hook. Decent horror movie with a strong lead performance and even if the dark plot is uneven, the overall atmosphere is fascinating.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorYoshiaki KawajiriStarsYûsaku YaraToshiko FujitaIchirô NagaiWhile protecting a signatory to a peace treaty between their peoples, a male human and a female demon discover that their mutual attraction may be the key to unifying their worlds.Two guards protect an old man because he is a key figure in a peace treaty between the human and demon world. Uneven animation horror movie with some interesting noir elements and occasionally fine art direction, but the plot is extremely clichéd and full of tired tropes.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorWerner HerzogStarsKlaus KinskiIsabelle AdjaniBruno GanzCount Dracula moves from Transylvania to Wismar, spreading the Black Plague across the land. Only a woman pure of heart can bring an end to his reign of horror.A young man travels to a mythical castle belonging to the infamous vampire Count Dracula. Mostly somber horror drama with slow pacing and efficient performances that mostly succeeds due to the fascinating imagery and great atmosphere.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChristoffer BoeStarsNikolaj Lie KaasFares FaresJohanne Louise SchmidtA series of mysterious disappearances in 2006 are eerily connected to the same institution.A cold case investigator and his partner look into a case where three dead bodies have been walled in an apartment for decades. Mediocre crime thriller with a decent premise and well-enough performances; but the over-the-top plot has several illogical moments.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorRupert GooldStarsRenée ZellwegerJessie BuckleyFinn WittrockLegendary performer Judy Garland arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts.Retelling of singer and actress Judy Garland's last concerts in the late 1960s in London. Decent biopic with a more or less coherent plot, but the movie mostly relies on the award-winning performance of the main actress.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorPeter LordNick ParkStarsMel GibsonJulia SawalhaPhil DanielsWhen a cockerel apparently flies into a chicken farm, the chickens see him as an opportunity to escape their evil owners.Stop motion animation movie about a group of hens who try to escape from their farm. Wonderful adventure film with impressive animation quality and a well-written plot - only some jokes fall flat.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorBéla TarrÁgnes HranitzkyStarsJános DerzsiErika BókMihály KormosA rural farmer is forced to confront the mortality of his faithful horse.During a famine in the mid-1800s, a farmer and his daughter try to make due with the last resources they have. Nihilistic drama with an intentionally painful slow pacing, that's ultimately rewarding due to the authentic performances and the fantastic cinematography.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorPaul TibbittMike MitchellStarsTom KennyAntonio BanderasBill FagerbakkeWhen a diabolical pirate above the sea steals the secret Krabby Patty formula, SpongeBob and his friends team up in order to get it back.Tediously jumbled adventure story about the famous TV character SpongeBob and his friends getting superpowers. Otherwise the animation is fairly standard and the film delivers on simple humor.
Overall 5/10 [II] - DirectorTim HillStarsTim HillClancy BrownBill FagerbakkeAfter SpongeBob's beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to the Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home.The famous TV character Spongebob travels to a casino city because his pet snail was kidnapped. Uneven animated comedy movie with some entertaining and funny moments and an ultimately enjoyable but simple plot.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorLouis MorneauStarsJim BelushiKylie TravisShannon WhirryA psychiatrist makes multiple trips through time to save a woman that was murdered by her brutal husband.A psychiatrist gets stuck in a time loop to prevent the murder of a woman. The movie has an interesting but unoriginal premise and nearly completely derails in the latter half due to the mostly poor acting and the borderline illogical plot.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorLarry CharlesStarsSacha Baron CohenKen DavitianLuenellKazakh TV talking head Borat is dispatched to the United States to report on the greatest country in the world.Mockumentary about a fake Kazakh reporter travelling to the US to interview typical Americans. Generally clever comedy movie that's entertaining and sometimes even revealing - even if the production background and the topics are not as authentic as they seem at first.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJason WolinerStarsSacha Baron CohenMaria BakalovaTom HanksBorat returns to America from Kazakhstan to America, this time to reveal more about the American culture, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the political elections.A famous Kazakh reporter again travels to the US to marry his daughter to a wealthy man. Amusing mockumentary with decent writing and stand-out performances by the lead duo, but the topics feel dated and the jokes often staged.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorDan ScanlonStarsTom HollandChris PrattJulia Louis-DreyfusIn a magical world full of technological advances, elven brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot set out on an adventure to resurrect their late father for a day.Animated adventure movie about two unlikely brothers and their quest for ressurecting their dead father. Charming and well-written movie with great animation quality - even if not all aspects are standout.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorLeonard KastleDonald VolkmanStarsShirley StolerTony Lo BiancoMary Jane HigbyAn obese, embittered nurse doesn't mind if her toupee-wearing boyfriend romances and fleeces other women, as long as he takes her along on his con jobs.Fictionalized retelling of an infamous couple of con artists who murdered a number of women in the 1950s. Decent crime drama with a raw, authentic atmosphere and gritty performances; some aspects tend to be depicted in a cheap and overly sensationalist way.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorChristopher CaldwellZeek EarlStarsSophie ThatcherJay DuplassPedro PascalA teenage girl and her father travel to a remote alien moon, aiming to strike it rich. They've secured a contract to harvest a large deposit of the elusive gems hidden in the depths of the moon's toxic forest. But there are others roving the wilderness and the job quickly devolves into a fight to survive. Forced to contend not only with the forest's other ruthless inhabitants, but with her own father's greed-addled judgment, the girl finds she must carve her own path to escape.After her father is killed, a teenage girl has to team up with an outlaw to escape from a hostile, foreign planet. Somber and well-written science fiction drama with quiet but believable performances, and a unique setting.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRichie SmythStarsJamie DornanEmmanuelle SeignerMark StrongIrish Commandant Pat Quinlan leads a stand off with troops against French and Belgian Mercenaries in the Congo during the early 1960s.Retelling of the Siege of Jadotville in the Congo during the 1960s. Heavily fictionalized war drama with mostly decent performances and some impressive action sequences, but the plot often feels constructed due to the historical inaccuracies.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorGustav MöllerStarsJakob CedergrenJessica DinnageOmar ShargawiA police officer assigned alarm dispatch duty enters a race against time when he answers an emergency call from a kidnapped woman.A police officer on alarm dispatch gets an emergency call from a kidnapped woman. Authentic drama that - even if the location is isolated - feels fresh and thrilling because of the intense writing and the strong lead performance.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardPhi VuTree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.A young woman gets trapped in a time loop and must find a way to escape a killer on the loose. Wonderfully entertaining horror comedy that has many cheap moments and a convoluted plot, but ultimately feels rewarding and fun to watch.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorBrad AndersonStarsWoody HarrelsonEmily MortimerBen KingsleyA Transsiberian train journey from China to Moscow becomes a thrilling chase of deception and murder when an American couple encounters a mysterious pair of fellow travelers.Two middle-aged Americans on the Trans-Siberian train to Moskau unintentionally smuggle drugs. Uneven crime drama with an interesting setting and premise, but the characterizations feel off and the plot is convoluted and unevenly structured.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorLynne RamsayStarsJoaquin PhoenixJudith RobertsEkaterina SamsonovA traumatized veteran unafraid of violence tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe's nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what could be his death trip or his awakening.A war veteran with PTSD tracks down kidnapped girls. Gritty drama with many memorable sequences, honest performances, and a clever and effective approach to depicting violence on-screen.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorLarisa ShepitkoStarsBoris PlotnikovVladimir GostyukhinSergey YakovlevTwo Soviet partisans on a mission to gather food contend with the winter cold, the occupying Germans, and their own psyches.In WWII, two Soviet partisans are captured by German soldiers and being tempted to switch sides. Atmospheric war drama with beautiful cinematography and honest and believable performances, even if the pacing can sometimes be extremely slow.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorFord BeebeRay TaylorStarsGordon JonesWade BotelerKeye LukeA newspaper publisher and his Korean servant fight crime as vigilantes who pose as a notorious masked gangster and his aide.Together with his trusted friend, a wealthy newspaper publisher fights against a criminal clan of racketeers. Serialized action movie with a well-written premise and some neat ideas, but all too often the low production values, the mostly poor acting, and the forced cliffhangers are obvious.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorUjichaStarsNao HanaiChisako HaraMoeka HaruhiThere is a series of Buddha statue thefts in Kyoto. Beniko, a high school girl, gets the Buddha statue at her family's temple stolen and has her parents killed at the same time. Beniko hears from Enju, her parents'friend, that a robbery group called SEADDATTHA is the one who killed her parents, and feels the strong urge for vengeance. Enju offers Beniko to live with him since she has no place to go. She wanders into Enju's secret room and meets an ugly creature that looks like a fusion of her parents and Buddha statue...Animated horror movie about a teenage girl who, after the gruesome death of her parents, merges with a Buddha statue to fight for her survival. Weird independent production with a unique style and memorable plot, but the dialogues and narrative sometimes feel incoherent.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorMichael MatthewsStarsDylan O'BrienJessica HenwickMichael RookerSeven years after he survived the monster apocalypse, lovably hapless Joel leaves his cozy underground bunker behind on a quest to reunite with his high school sweetheart.In a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by deadly creatures, a young man tries to find his lost love. Light-hearted and entertaining action comedy with a servicable enough plot and a strong lead performance.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.Animation adventure movie about the scariest creature of Halloween Town finding the true meaning of Christmas. Breathtaking animation, with am impressively unique art direction, and memorable songs.
2014 Overall 7/10
2020 Overall 8/10 II - DirectorSebastian MarkaStarsLaura de BoerAram TafreshianJan KrauterYear 2047: "Infinitalk" is the AI developed by some guys, offering possible eternal life through digitization of peoples mind and when they want to sell it, they get into major trouble.The founder of a tech start-up finds that his investor is not what he seems. Science fiction drama with low production values and mediocre acting, but a decent plot with some clever ideas and strong art direction - even if the conventional ending is poorly executed.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.A disabled soldier travels to a foreign planet to invade an alien race - in the body of an avatar. Impressive action movie, pioneering in the field of visual effects, that also has a solid plot, mostly strong performances, and great audio design.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorJordan PeeleStarsLupita Nyong'oWinston DukeElisabeth MossAdelaide Wilson and her family are attacked by mysterious figures dressed in red. Upon closer inspection, the Wilsons realize that the intruders are exact lookalikes of them.A family on vacation suddenly find themselves confronted with murderous doppelgangers. Uneven horror thriller with a clever premise and subtext, but also performances differing vastly in quality and mediocre pacing.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMichael GraceyStarsHugh JackmanMichelle WilliamsZac EfronCelebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.Fictionalized retelling of how famous showman P. T. Barnum introduced circuses to the American audience. Wonderfully entertaining musical with dedicated performances and some catchy tunes - even if the overall plot is obviously constructed and differs vastly from the historical facts.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorYarrow CheneyScott MosierStarsBenedict CumberbatchCameron SeelyRashida JonesA grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.Animated adventure about a green creature who hates Christmas and tries to destroy the festivities of a neighboring village. Mostly solid children's movie with some entertaining moments and a decent update from the original version - however, many humorous moments fall flat and the pacing is too slow.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorArne ArnbomStarsMargareta HallinElisabeth SöderströmErik SædénAniara is one of the spaceships used for transporting Earth's population to their new home-planet Mars. But just as Aniara leaves the ruined Earth, she collides with an asteroid and is knocked off her course.Opera set on a shuttle drifting aimlessly through deep space after humanity fled an uninhabitable Earth. Unique and thrilling concept with some dedicated performances and decent original songs - however, the poorly constructed narrative make most songs feel without clear purpose.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorPanos CosmatosStarsNicolas CageAndrea RiseboroughLinus RoacheThe enchanted lives of a couple in a secluded forest are brutally shattered by a nightmarish hippie cult and their demon-biker henchmen, propelling a man into a spiraling, surreal rampage of vengeance.A man takes revenge on the members of a cult who killed his girlfriend. Wonderfully ridiculous thriller with some unique and visually fascinating scenes that help elevate it from conventional revenge narratives.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorJeffrey NachmanoffStarsKeanu ReevesAlice EveThomas MiddleditchA scientist becomes obsessed with bringing back his family members who died in a traffic accident.After having lost his family in a car accident, a scientist creates clones - with desastrous consequences. Poorly written science fiction thriller with borderline embarrassing performances, weak editing, and a generally uneven narrative focus.
Overall 3/10 - DirectorDavid E. TalbertStarsForest WhitakerKeegan-Michael KeyHugh BonnevilleAn imaginary world comes to life in a holiday tale of an eccentric toymaker, his adventurous granddaughter, and a magical invention that has the power to change their lives forever.The granddaughter of a once famous toy maker spends Christmas with him to inspire some new inventions. Decent adventure comedy with overly flashy, but entertaining musical numbers, good performances, but incoherent plot.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorSean BakerStarsKitana Kiki RodriguezMya TaylorKarren KaragulianA hooker tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart.A transsexual hooker searches for her pimp on Christmas Eve in LA. Original premise with dedicated performances and an impressive technical achievement behind the camera, the movie is an uneven blend between melodramatic social criticism and awkward humor.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorJohn McPhailStarsElla HuntMalcolm CummingSarah SwireA zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven - at Christmas - forcing Anna and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones. But they soon discover that no one is safe in this new world, and with civilization falling apart around them, the only people they can truly rely on are each other.Shortly before Christmas Eve, a teenage girl and her friends find themselves in a zombie apocalypse. Well-written genre-bending horror-comedy with great musical sequences in the first act - however, the movie loses steam quickly and several characters are poorly written.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorXan CassavetesStarsJerry HarveyChuck RossTimothy RyersonThe story of Z Channel, one of the first U.S. pay cable stations and its programming chief, Jerry Harvey. Debuting in 1974 in LA, their eclectic slate of movies became a prime example of the untapped power of cable television.Documentary about the rise and fall of Z Channel, an influential pay-TV channel in the Los Angeles region during the 1970-80s. Well edited movie with interesting interviews and some great insights into what happened to the channel and its chief programmer; even if the general appeal might be limited for many viewers.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBen VerbongStarsUlrich NoethenChristine UrspruchAglaia SzyszkowitzOne day a nerdy middle-aged small-town man gets an exotic companion who can make wishes come true. Because the creature looks funny and behaves in an obnoxious way, he encounters all kinds of funny and embarrassing situations.A middle-aged man suddenly becomes a foster parent for a weird but amicable creature that grants wishes. Uneven fantasy comedy with some clever ideas, but over-the-top performances that often don't work.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorYi'nan DiaoStarsGe HuGwei Lun-MeiFan LiaoA gangster on the run sacrifices everything for his family and a woman he meets while on the lam.After the head of a rivaling gang gets killed, a thief must escape the police. Modern noir crime thriller with fantastic visuals and well-made sound editing, but the cryptic approach towards presenting characters and plot elements doesn't always work and the overall narrative is limited in scope.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorLeontine SaganCarl FroelichStarsDorothea WieckHertha ThieleEmilia UndaAt an all-girls boarding school, Manuela falls in love with a teacher, to terrific consequences.A young girl in a conservative boarding school falls in love with one of the teachers. Touching drama with memorable characters and a believable plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJosh GadAnna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.Animated adventure movie about two sisters going on a journey to discover the truth about their parent's death. Decent movie with great production values and some catchy musical sequences, even if it has obvious plot holes and an incoherent narrative.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsZachary LeviMark StrongAsher AngelA newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.A runaway teenager stumbles into a magical cave and suddenly has the power to become a superhero. Well-written and thoroughly entertaining action comedy with memorable characters, good animated action scenes, and a powerful lead performance.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorNiki CaroStarsLiu YifeiDonnie YenGong LiTo keep her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man and battles northern invaders in China.Fictional retelling of an ancient Chinese myth about a young girl joining the army to save her father. Mostly entertaining adventure movie with a few memorable action scenes, and decent art direction - some aspects, like certain plot elements or some of the characters' conceptualizations feel misguided, though.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chaotic comedy that lampoons family meetings at Christmas. The protagonist excessively tries to provide a wonderful time for his family, while nothing really works the way it should.
Overall 8/10 [IX] - DirectorMichael CurtizStarsBing CrosbyDanny KayeRosemary ClooneyA successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.Two popular stage singers try to help their former general by having their show at his cottage. Mostly entertaining feel-good movie with vibrant visuals and some exciting dance acts; the overall plot and some of the acting performances are average at best, though.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorMarc LawrenceStarsAnna KendrickShirley MacLaineBill HaderSanta's daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, gets cold feet.Because Santa has an existential crisis, his younger sister tries to fill his shoes. Uneven adventure movie with good production values, but poor comedic performances and spotty writing.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorBrian HensonStarsMichael CaineDave GoelzSteve WhitmireThe Muppets present their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale.Adaptation of a classic story about an old, grumpy man being visited by three ghosts to bring back his Christmas spirit. Cheerful adventure movie with masterful puppetery, a strong lead performance, and stellar writing.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorGlauber RochaStarsGeraldo Del ReyYoná MagalhãesOthon BastosAfter killing his employer when he tries to cheat him out of his payment, a man becomes an outlaw and starts following a self-proclaimed saint.After having accidentally commited a murder, a young man and his wife join a dubious spiritual sect. Well-written drama with strong, philosphic writing and incredibly beautiful cinematography - even if the plot's pacing is uneven.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorGeorge C. WolfeStarsViola DavisChadwick BosemanGlynn TurmanTensions rise when trailblazing blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gather at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927.A Blues band in the late 1920s records one of their biggest hits, while arguing about their future direction and racial discrimination. Well-produced stage play adaptation with strong lead performances, a wonderful soundtrack, and spot-on dialogues.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorHelmut DietlStarsGötz GeorgeUwe OchsenknechtChristiane HörbigerThe slightly fictionalized story of an art forger, a journalist desperate for a big story, and the biggest press scandal in German history: the Hitler Diaries.Comedic retelling of how a German con artist faked Hitler's lost diaries in the early 1980s. Clever and entertaining movie with strong, humoristic performances that mostly make up for the fact that it takes central liberties from the actual events.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorFlorian Henckel von DonnersmarckStarsTom SchillingSebastian KochPaula BeerGerman artist Kurt Barnert has escaped East Germany and now lives in West Germany, but is tormented by his childhood under the Nazis and the GDR-regime.Drama about a young boy who grew up in Nazi Germany, only to become an Expressionist painter. Well-written movie with an impressive scope, memorable characters, and beautiful cinematography - even if the direction is often very much on the nose.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHelmut WeissStarsHeinz RühmannKarin HimboldtHilde SessakA successful writer, home-schooled in his youth, masquerades as a student at a secondary school to experience all the fun and pranks he missed out on.Comedy about the childish misadventures of a middle-aged man returning to school. Superbly scripted, over-the-top characters, and thoroughly entertaining.
Overall 8/10 [VI] - DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsMickey RourkeMarisa TomeiEvan Rachel WoodA faded professional wrestler must retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring a dispiriting struggle.An aging wrestler tries to live a normal life after a heart attack ends his career. Thoughtful sports drama with memorable performances and a well-written, convincing plot.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorRudolph MatéStarsEdmond O'BrienPamela BrittonLuther AdlerFrank Bigelow, told he's been poisoned and has only a few days to live, tries to find out who killed him and why.After being oisoned, a middle-aged man feverishly tries to find his killer. Wonderfully gritty noir crime thriller with an innovative premise and an entertaining plot, but some performances and dialogues have aged poorly.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorPeter ThorwarthStarsOliver KorittkeMarkus KnüfkenRalf RichterA violent chain of events ensues as a jailed criminal arranges to buy a car from a shady car dealer, unaware that his partner in freedom has squandered most of the money from their last bank robbery on horse race betting.A small-time criminal gets dragged into a robbery, but things don't go according to plan. Uneven crime comedy with a mediocre plot with some innovative ideas, but also surprisingly bad performances and poor editing.
Overall 4/10 - DirectorCarolina HellsgårdStarsGro Swantje KohlhofMaja LehrerTrine DyrholmIt has been two years since a zombie virus epidemic infected all but two German cities. Vivi and Eva flee the struggling community in Weimar for the one other safe-haven: Jena.Two young women fight their way through a post-apocalyptic, zombie infested Germany. Mostly decent horror drama that makes the most out of the minimalistic budget and has some gripping moments, but several concepts and plot ideas don't quite come together and the acting is often below average.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorAlan ParkerStarsBob GeldofChristine HargreavesJames LaurensonA confined but troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.A successful rock star has a mental breakdown. Intriguing and highly unique experimental movie consisting of extremely imaginative and well-produced short episodes, which is why the movie often feels fragmented but also surreal.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorCoralie FargeatStarsMatilda Anna Ingrid LutzKevin JanssensVincent ColombeNever take your mistress on an annual guys' getaway, especially one devoted to hunting - a violent lesson for three wealthy married men.After being left for dead in the desert, a young woman seeks revenge on her killers. Strong revenge thriller with beautiful art direction, impressive performances, and many thrilling scenes - even if the overall result never manages to rise above genre conventions.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorDavid FincherStarsGary OldmanAmanda SeyfriedLily Collins1930s Hollywood is re-evaluated through the eyes of scathing social critic and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish the screenplay of Citizen Kane (1941).Fictionalized retelling of how Herman Mankiewicz wrote the screenplay of Citizen Kane [1941]. Extremely well-produced movie with sharp dialogues, strong actors, and a memorably eerie score. But the movie doesn't have much to tell outside of its very limited topic and setting.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRamin BahraniStarsAdarsh GouravRajkummar RaoPriyanka Chopra JonasAn ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.Crime drama about a young Indian, who does everything in his power to escape poverty. The movie has a captivating story with believable characters, tight direction, and a standout lead performance.
Overall 8/10* - DirectorWolfgang FischerStarsSusanne WolffGedion Oduor WekesaKelvin Mutuku Ndinda"Styx" depicts the transformation of a strong woman torn from her contented world during a sailing trip.A woman on a small sailing boat finds herself in a moral dilemma, when she encounters a sinking ship full of refugees in the ocean. Independent drama that has some great cinematography and the lead actress tries her best to express her mixed feeling; however, the movie fails to tell a coherent ending.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorKar-Wai WongStarsTony Leung Chiu-waiZiyi ZhangJin ZhangThe story of martial-arts master Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee.Fictionalized retelling of legendary Wing Chun master Ip Man's dramatic life from the 1930s to the early 1950s. Well-produced martial arts drama with a strong lead actor and some moments of impressive choreography. The plot, however, is nearly completely muddled and unsure, which story to tell.
Overall 6/10 - DirectorJohnnie ToStarsJohnny HallydayAnthony Chau-Sang WongSimon YamA French chef swears revenge after a violent attack on his daughter's family in Macau, during which her husband and her two children are murdered. To help him find the killers, he hires three local hit-men working for the mafia.After his daughter and her children is murdered, a sick old man hires professional killers to find the people responsible. Grim crime drama with a unique and memorable art direction, fantastic actors, and impressive action sequences that genuinely feel authentic.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorPete DocterKemp PowersStarsJamie FoxxTina FeyGraham NortonJoe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.A failed, middle-aged Jazz musician accidentally dies and gets the chance to re-evaluate his life. Funny and charming animation drama that, although the movie is well-written and has a wonderfully entertaining score, feels partly incoherent and consequently loses some of its emotional touch.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorRegina KingStarsKingsley Ben-AdirEli GoreeAldis HodgeA fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural upheaval of the 60s.During the early 1960s, Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown discuss racial politics in a seedy motel room. Strongly fictionalized retelling of some otherwise historically very important moments; the main actors are standouts in this otherwise well-written but simplistic drama.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorBo BurnhamStarsElsie FisherJosh HamiltonEmily RobinsonAn introverted teenage girl tries to survive the last week of her disastrous eighth grade year before leaving to start high school.A quiet teenage girl tries to survive eight grade by making new friends. Thoughtful coming of age story with authentic writing and an impressive lead performance.
Overall 8/10 - DirectorChia-Liang LiuStarsChia-Hui LiuLieh LoYue WongA man studies kung fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government.After his village is burned to the ground by an oppressive official, a young man studies at the Shaolin Temple. Hallmark wuxia movie with marvellous martial arts scenes and an effective plot.
Overall 7/10 - DirectorHarve FosterWilfred JacksonStarsRuth WarrickBobby DriscollJames BaskettThe kindly story-teller Uncle Remus tells a young boy stories about trickster Br'er Rabbit, who outwits Br'er Fox and slow-witted Br'er Bear.In antebellum South, an old man tells a young boy fantasy stories about a trickster rabbit. Sometimes overly corny melodrama with a heavily romanticized version of the South - still, the movie has some catchy tunes, a marvellous lead performance, and it features a great blend of live action and animation.
Overall 5/10 - DirectorGarrett BradleyStarsSibil Fox RichardsonRobert G. RichardsonMahlik RichardsonFox Rich fights for the release of her husband, Rob, who is serving a 60-year sentence in prison.Documentary depicting the 20 year long struggle of a woman to get her husband released from prison. Effective and honest documentary that focuses on the emotional state of the woman and her children, even though the documentary would have benefitted from more informational context.
Overall 6/10